SMALL GROUPS

Our world has gotten complicated in the last few decades. Today we confront challenges that previous generations could not have even imagined. Life is complicated but Jesus makes life simple. As the wisest person who ever lived, He cuts through the clutter, the confusion, and the chaos to help us handle life effectively. And His approach is entirely simple, really as simple as can be. But here’s the thing: it’s not easy. Jesus lays out a very simple path that is easy to understand but can be difficult to undertake.

Fr. Carl will preach the message series at the 10:00 a.m. Mass. The video will be posted on Sunday afternoon.

WEEK 1 – MESSAGE SERIES

Fr. Carl’s Message begins at 28:00

      SIMPLE BUT NOT EASY – Small Group Discussion Questions
      WEEK ONE
      MATTHEW 18:15-20


      Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he
      shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two
      more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to
      hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen
      man and a publican. Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and
      whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall
      agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in
      heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.


      DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

      1. This message series focuses on Jesus’ teachings as a sage. How does Jesus’ promise of
        carrying a lighter burden resonate with you in the context of handling life’s complexities?
      2. Have you ever seen drama spread because someone doesn’t address the issue with the
        appropriate party but gossips instead? Describe some of the feelings of that situation.
      3. According to Jesus’s teaching in Matthew 18:15, if someone wrongs us, we must go to
        them privately and address the issue. What are your feelings on this approach? How do your
        actions and feelings align with Jesus’ teachings? Or do they conflict?
      4. Is there anyone who has wronged you or offended you that you need to approach?
      5. Who are the people that are helpful in mediation? Who do you trust in those situations?
        What have you done to enlist their help?
      6. Why do you think it’s common for people to avoid addressing issues and instead choose to
        talk about them with others?
        1. Deeper Dive
          How can we create cultures in our family or work that help people go directly to the person who has hurt or offended them? What advice would you give to someone who came to youcomplaining about what someone else said or did to them?
        2. This week’s message emphasizes the importance of not engaging in gossip when dealing with conflicts. Can you share an example from your experience where you’ve seen the harmful effects of gossip in relationships?
        3. Can you recall a situation where you found it challenging to embrace a simple truth that required personal change? What made it tough? What did you do to get over the emotional difficulties?