December 20, 2009 - "Blessed are you among women"

Sunday Readings' Reflections
Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 20, 2009 (4AdvC)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios para Domingo

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Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups, prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
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First Reading
Micah, Chapter 5, Verses 1-4

1. With “embracing majestic ruler” at one end of the continuum and “embracing poverty” at the other, where do you think the Church falls? Why? Where would you like to see it fall? Explain.

2. If you were expecting a majestic ruler how would you have felt about the stable and manger? When you experience poverty in your life, do you accept it as a meeting place with God or do you run from it?

Second Reading
Letter to the Hebrews, Chapter 10, Verses 5-10

1. Why do you think this reading about the “offering of the body of Christ” was chosen for the fourth Sunday of Advent?

2. St. Paul said “by this ‘will’ we have been consecrated” once for all. That means we have been made holy (by association with Christ); set aside. Who is it that has been made holy? Why is Christ’s sacrifice infinitely effective?

Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 1, Verses 39-45

1. The infant “leaped for joy” in his mother’s womb at the recognition of the savior. Discuss this moment as mankind’s welcome to the savior. How close do you come to “leaping for joy” when you recognize God’s presence in your life?

2. Where does Mary’s greatness lie in salvation history? How about you? When the Holy Spirit gives you insights, do you always believe them or act on them?

Online Sunday Bible Study Group
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December 13, 2009, Third Sunday of Advent - "But one mightier than I is coming"

Sunday Readings Reflections
Third Sunday of Advent, December 13, 2009 (3AdvC)

Sunday Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios para Domingo
Discussion Questions & Online Bible Study
Burning Question: Should Catholics be offfended by the term "Xmas"?


First Reading
Zephaniah, Chapter 3, Verses 14-18

1. ”He will sing joyfully because of you.” This sentence paints a picture. What are some examples in the world about which you might say, “Listen, God is singing”?

2. Do not fear the Lord is in our midst. This reading says it twice. Have you ever remembered the presence of God in the middle of a crisis? What effect did it have on the you?

Second Reading
Philippians, Chapter 4, Verses 4-7

. St. Paul says that peace will guard our hearts and minds. The conditions? We must rejoice in the Lord always, be kind to all, lose anxiety, make all our requests known to God and thank God as though he has already granted the requests. It is a long list. Are you better at some than others? Which ones need improvement?

2. Maybe you rejoice when you are singing at Mass on Sunday. Are there other times during the week that you experience such joy? What makes you happy in the Lord?

Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 3, Verses 10-18

1. What kind of people went to hear John the Baptist and repent? Would you show up to hear someone like John today? What would you want to see and hear? Can people be prophets even though their looks or their behavior is a departure from the norm?

2. When the tax collectors, soldiers and others asked John a question. What should they do to be forgiven and prepare to start a new life? He told them to share their food and clothing with the poor; to be honest and just with their neighbors. How do you think he would answer in today’s world if you asked him that question?

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December 6, 2009, Second Sunday of Advent - "Prepare the way of the Lord"

Sunday Readings Reflections
Second Sunday of Advent, December 6, 2009 (2AdvC)

Sunday Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios para Domingo
Homilies for Sunday
Burning Question: Did John the Baptist go to heaven right after his death?

First Reading
Baruch, Chapter 5, Verses 1-9

1. In the First Reading, Baruch wrote a message of hope for the people of God suffering in exile. Where are the valleys in the life of the People of God today? Where are the mountains? What about your personal life?

2. God gave Jerusalem the name “the peace of justice, the glory of God’s worship.” Does this name fit us today? What would you like God to rename your parish, your community, you?

Second Reading
Philippians, Chapter 1, Verses 4-6, 8-11

1. Discernment is listening to the Spirit in a given human situation. A discerning person celebrates Advent (watches for God’s coming) all year round. Discuss.

2. “The one who began a good work in you will complete it if you remain on the path or the Way,” St. Paul says. Who is the instigator of good works in you? Does this imply that you trust yourself or trust God to complete these works?

Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 3, Verses 1-6

1. Why does Luke belabor all the historical references in the beginning of this reading? Would we find those names in history books?

2. What is the significance of the sentence, “All flesh shall see the salvation of God”? What are the implications for the Church if the entire world is included in this plan? What does it imply for you?

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