January 24, 2010 - “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.”

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
January 24, 2010 (3C)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios

--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------

First Reading
Book of Nehemiah
Chapter 8, Verses 2-4, 5-6, 8-10

1. Why does Ezra say “today” is holy? What is significant about “today” for Jesus? Do you live in the past or the future? What is the only time you have for sure? What happens to “now” if you spend all your time looking backward or forward?

2. Do you see any growth in the relationship between God and people from the Old Testament reading on Sunday to the Corinthians one to the Gospel? Do you think everything we would ever know was stated during Jesus’ time or does the Holy Spirit give the Church new insights as it needs them?

Second Reading
First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians
Chapter 12, Verses 12-30

1. Some people’s gift is to diffuse tension in a meeting. What if such a person is missing from a meeting? What happens? Is that kind of gift more or less important than administering the parish, community or diocese? Why? What is your gift to the community?

2. If you had your choice of gifts which ones would you choose? Why? If you have a gift and you never use it, what will happen to it? Can you name some of your gifts?

Gospel
According to Luke
Chapter 1, Verses 1-4, Chapter 4, Verses 14-21

1. Jesus went to Nazareth, his hometown. People there thought of him as Mary and Joseph’s son. Suddenly he claims to be the Messiah. What would your reaction have been to such a declaration?

2. Jesus said he had been anointed to bring glad tidings to the poor, liberty to captives, sight to the blind and to let the oppressed go free. Where would you look for Jesus if he were here today? Is the Church where you would seek him? Do you insulate yourself from the poor and tell yourself that you couldn’t do anything to help anyway? Is there some small thing you could do for people needing assistance?


Online Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share your reflections on the above Sunday Readings with other ParishWorld readers. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing. Post your comments below.