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The Gospel passage for Sunday, November 30, 2014, proclaims the essential truth that will be celebrated in all its dimensions throughout the year -- namely, the "advent" truth that God has come in the person of Jesus Christ, and that the same Lord, now invisibly present through the Spirit, will come again in power and glory.
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
First Sunday of Advent, Nov. 30, 2014 (1AdvB)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University
Sunday Mass Readings
Podcast of the Readings
Video of Reflections on Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios
New American Bible
Prayer of the Hours
BQ: Did John the Baptist go straight to heaven when he died?
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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 63, Verses 16-17, 19; Chapter 64, Verses 2-7
1. Picture a potter working with clay? Describe it. Even though we wander away from the Lord, God is our father and handles us as a potter handles the clay. Explain this metaphor.
2. “. . . that we were mindful of you in our ways!” Is there a veil that keeps you from seeing God’s presence at work in your life and in your world? How can you use Advent to lift that veil, to get more in touch with God in and around you?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19
1. The Psalm says, 'Lord, make us turn to you ....' Have you noticed at times when we stray off His path how the Lord tugs at each of us so that we return to His ways. Give an example from your own experience.
2. Our psalmist is writing about the scattered people of Israel, but his words may apply to each of us in our separation from God. In what way are you inspired by the Psalm's verses to repent
and seek renewal?
Second Reading
First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, Chapter 1, Verses 3-9
1. What gift does Paul say you have been given in order to do God’s work now, as you wait for Christ’s coming at the end of your life? The concern here is to make sure you are ready for life with God after death. Is there life with God before your death? Explain.
2. St. Paul says “that in him you were enriched in every way.” In what ways has God enriched you personally? To say Paul’s words in another way, his gift to us is the richness of everything in him. What richness in Christ is he passing on to you?
Gospel
According to Mark, Chapter 13, Verses 33-37
1. As vigilant gatekeepers watching for the Lord of the house, what signs do you see that tell you God is present in the world and in your life?
2. As gatekeepers we are responsible for the preservation of the gift of the earth. What is the Church’s responsibility in the maintenance of the earth’s life? What is your responsibility in this?
Sunday Bible Study Group
Please reflect on the Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.
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This Psalm is a prayer to restore Israel,
ReplyDeleteand by extension to restore us,
as a scattered people of God.
The Psalm is well adapted to our prayer during Advent.
We are a people scattered and separated from God,
and we await His coming;
He alone can 'make us turn to Him' and convert us.
“Shepherd of Israel listen … come to save us.”
This is a direct appeal to God to shepherd us.
“The Lord shall stand firm and shepherd his flock.”
“Turn again Lord ... attend to this vine.”
Just as the Lord tends to His vineyard,
He protects a shoot planted by His right hand.
The coming of Christ is intended to revive us,
restore our strength. As the Psalm says,
“Then we will not withdraw from you;
revive us, and we will call on your name.”
We all need to be renewed from
time to time when our faith grows lukewarm,
when our hearts harden due to the sins
that separate us from God.
Like the Prodigal Son, repentance
and a decision to return home to serve our Father
will brighten the face of our Lord,
and his face will shine upon us.
Amen