"He was lost and has been found."

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Fourth Sunday in Lent, March 14, 2010 (4LentC)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios
Burning Question: Why is it a sin to miss Mass on Sunday?

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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 Joshua, Chapter 5, Verses 9, 10-12

1. How does God take care of you in your daily life? Was God as present to the Israelites in their daily lives in the Promised Land as in the desert? Is this true for you, metaphorically speaking?

2. This reading and the Gospel are about coming home. How does that idea relate to Lent? What is your spiritual home?

Second Reading
Second Letter of St. Paul to the 1 Corinthians,
Chapter 5, Verses 17-21

1. Some meanings for reconcile are: forgive, restore harmony, rectify, patch up, reunite, bury the hatchet, appease, arbitrate, bring to terms, kiss and make up. Wherever there is injustice in the world something is not reconciled. What might the Church do to change an unjust or unfair situation? What could your parish do? What can you do?

2. Aelred R. Rosser says, in the Workbook for Lectors and Gospel Readers, “Christ became what we are so that we may become what Christ is.” Can you explain this?

Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 15, Verses 1-3, 11-32

1. Jesus responded with the parable of the Prodigal Son when he was accused of eating with sinners. How was Jesus “prodigal”? What was Jesus telling us about God’s forgiveness? In the story, did the son have to ask for forgiveness or did he just start on the road back home? Do you forgive easily? Is it easy or difficult for you to ask for forgiveness?

2. Which of these actions do you think is more effective in bringing sinners back: excluding them or running to meet them with a hug? What about eating dinner with them? What method would you use?

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.