Wednesday

“Blessed are the poor in spirit"

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jan. 30, 2011 (4A)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Mass Readings  
Podcast of the Readings 
Video of Reflections on Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios 
Prayer of the Hours
BQ: Would you applaud after the homily?

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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 Zephaniah,
Chapter 2, Verse 3; Chapter 3, Verses 12-13


1. “Faithful remnant” means those who remain faithful in spite of great difficulties, bad example and poor leadership. How do people remain faithful with such obstacles? What helps you?

2. Discuss some of the places/things in which the rich might place their trust. Do you ever hope in such things? Which do you think engenders more trust, wealth or poverty? Explain.

Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 146: 6-10

1. This week's Response is taken from Matthew 5:3 (the Beatitudes). How does the Psalm speak to what Jesus told his disciples that day as he taught them on the mountain?

2 . The Psalm talks about the 'oppressed', the 'hungry', the 'captives', the 'blind', those 'bowed down.' Where do you find yourself among these? Can you identify with any of these?
Second Reading
First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, Chapter 1, Verses 26-31

1. The weak, the foolish and the lowly confound the strong, the wise and the strong. What does this mean to you? Can you give examples?

2. Is weakness a top priority for your country, or strength? For your work? For your social life?

Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 5, Verses 1-12a

1. Moses received the ten commandments on a mountain. Jesus gave the sermon on a mount. Compare and contrast

2. Does Jesus define his own life by the beatitudes? Do you think this is a lesson or an invitation? Why?

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

Thursday

"Behold, the Lamb of God"

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jan. 16, 2011 (2A)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Mass Readings  
Podcast of the Readings 
Video of Reflections on Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios 
Prayer of the Hours
BQ: What bible verse anchors your personal spiritual life?

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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 49, Verses 3, 5-6

1. What in this servant song will Jesus proclaim throughout his ministry?

2. What are some ways that we as Church can be a light to the emerging global family? What is one way you can be a light to your own family and extended family?

Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 40: 2, 4, 7-10

1. The Psalm says the Lord put a 'new song' into our mouths. What does this mean for each of us?

2. Our psalmist, David, says, 'To do your will is my delight.' How do we know what God's will is telling us to do?

Second Reading
First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, Chapter 1, Verses1-3

1. We are called to be holy. What does “holy” mean to you? How is John the Baptist a model of holiness?

2. In Luke’s report of Jesus’ baptism we hear about treatment of the poor. What does outrage at our neighbors’ poverty have to do with holiness?

Gospel

According to John, Chapter 1, Verses 29-34

1. What is important in this reading, the baptism of Jesus or the testimony of John that God’s plan to save the world would be worked out through Jesus?

2. Why was John so certain about Jesus when he said, “Behold the Lamb of God”? Was John watching for the Spirit? Do you watch for the Spirit in your life? Can you find and trust this Spirit of God?

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