"It is Christ in you."

In this Sunday’s second reading from Paul’s Letter to the Colossians, Paul speaks about a mystery, “a mystery that has been hidden for ages is now manifested to God’s Holy Ones. The mystery is this: Christ is in you.”

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 21, 2013 (16C)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Readings 
Lecturas y Comentarios 
Prayer of the Hours
Burning Question: Is Superstition a Sin?

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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 Genesis, Chapter 18, Verses 1-10

1. What does this story of Abraham’s hospitality signify? What part of the story is most meaningful to you? Why? Why do you think God intervened in human history?

2. Do you think Abraham went overboard in welcoming the three men? What determines your degree of hospitality?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 15: 2-3, 3-4, 5

1. Our psalmist David asks us once again, "Who may dwell on God's holy mountain?" Drawing from the verses of the Psalm, speak of what you are doing to draw closer to God.

2. The Psalm says that one who thinks the truth in his heart will live in the presence of the Lord. Describe how you are making sure you have a pure heart so as to gain favor with God.

Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Colossians, Chapter 1, Verses 24-28

1. “I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his body.” Where is the “lack”? What happens to people when they unite their suffering with Christ’s for other people?

2. Does knowing Christianity as a religion change your attitude toward suffering with Christ for others? What will your attitude be if you know Christ as a real person?

Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 10, Verses 38-42

1. Are you Martha or Mary? Are you a little of each? Was Martha wrong and Mary right? Which is an example of ministry to others and its roots?

2. Would you too be agitated with Mary for not pitching into the preparations? Is it possible to prepare dinner while sitting “beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak?” How is it possible to be contemplative and active in ministry both at the same time?

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.