"The kingdom of God is at hand for you."

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 4, 2010 (14C)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios
Prayer of the Hours
Burning Question: Who is the Church?

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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 Isaiah, Chapter 66, Verses 10-14

1. Salvation history started in the Old Testament, moved through the New and continues today. Do you think God’s love changed over all this time or is it the same? Why do you say so?

2. Compare Jerusalem in this reading with the Church today. What treasure has the Church received from God that gives her children great comfort?

Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Galatians, Chapter 6, Verses 14-18

1. “For neither does circumcision mean anything, nor does uncircumcision.” Some people wanted to follow the ancient practices. Paul did not. Can you relate to this kind of problem in your home? Your work? Your Church?

2. St. Paul looks at the circumcision situation from the perspective of “the cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ.” Can you envision problems in today’s Church from that point of view? Standing vs. kneeling, women vs. men, inclusive language or not, and which style of music is played?

Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 10, Verses 1-12, 17-20

1. Jesus sent seventy-two disciples out because at the time there were seventy-two known nations. What would such symbolism mean in our times? Are you one of the people sent out?

2. Jesus sends us “like lambs to the wolves, without money, backpacks or sandals.” In what ways are you a laborer in this abundant harvest? What happens when a lamb meets a wolf? If you are the lamb, then who are the wolves he sends you out to? Is there anything good about being without money?

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.