January 31, 2010 - "No prophet is accepted in his own native place."

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
January 31, 2010 (4C)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios
Burning Question: Is Passion good or bad?

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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
Book of the prophet Jeremiah, Chapter 1, Verses 4-5, 17-19

1. Obstinate people present themselves to Jeremiah and Jesus this Sunday. Why do people resist a prophet’s radical call to peace and justice? Do you always accept “radical messages” right away? Prophets incite people to action. Is there some injustice about which you can no longer remain silent? What would you like to rouse people to do?

2. “For it is I this day who have made you a fortified city, a pillar of iron, a wall of brass, against the whole land: against Judah’s kings and princes, against the priests and people.” Do disagreements within the Church or within your parish sometimes take place? Is this a bad thing? Discuss the idea that growth involves some tension.

Second Reading
First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians
Chapter 12, Verse 31, Chapter 13, Verses 1-13

1. What is the only thing you take with you when you die? Do you think you can expand your capacity for love by exercising the giving and receiving of love? Do you think that love is the prime mover in all that the Church does?

2. Why is this reading placed between two other readings in which prophets are trying to change people’s attitudes or hearts? What changes people for the better? Name some things that love does in your life.

Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 4, Verses 21-30

1. Both Jeremiah and Jesus provoked people in God’s name but then escaped from the danger that resulted. What are the implications for us? What did God promise us?

2. Jesus said, “No prophet is accepted in his own native place.” Do you think prophets care if they are accepted or not? Do you know anyone whom you would consider a prophet? What do you think changed them from “ordinary person” to “prophet”?


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