Go through one day where you focus totally on serving others, not expecting anything in return.  Would it be hard for you?  Do you naturally serve others in this way?  Or, do you have the society mentality of “me first?”

“It shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave; even as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:26-28)

In marriage, we are to serve our spouse.  This does not mean that we are their doormat. It means that we choose to love him/her daily and to put aside our own satisfaction and wants to show love to our spouse.  Our spouse, in return, should also be looking out for our best interests and choose to love us.  By exemplifying this loving servitude toward the other, we are helping our spouse, our children, and our community to see the Love God has for them.

For Week 10, read Matthew 19:1-20:34, ponder the following questions and the corresponding questions in your study guide, and share your thoughts on the Week 10 page or on the Life Giving Bread Facebook page.

Questions:

• What verse(s) stood out to you and why?
• Why is divorce so acceptable in today’s society? What are your thoughts about divorce?  Compare society’s view and your thoughts about divorce to that of Jesus. (See Matthew 19:1-9; and if you have the ICSB, read “Topical Essay: Jesus on Marriage and Divorce)
• “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14)  How can children be hindered?
• When comparing yourself to others, do you feel like you deserve more from God than the others?  Who, in your mind, deserves less?  Who deserves more?  What does Matthew 20:15-16 tell you?
• As a Christian, are you ever dissuaded from spreading the Gospel?  Do you become quiet or do you cry out more?  It helps to pray to the Lord for guidance on how to proceed.  “Open my eyes to what you shall have me do.”  (See Matthew 20:33)
• Additional Questions found in your study guide or in the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible – The Gospel of Matthew