Sunday’s Scripture texts for Dec. 21, 2014 (4AdvB) describe God’s promise to David and its fulfillment in Jesus, the Son of David. From the First Reading, David expresses his sincere desire to build a temple for God but it is actually God who will build his own house and establish a great family of descendents: the House of David.
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Third Sunday of Advent, Dec. 21, 2014 (4AdvB)
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: Was the Blessed Virgin Mary a Virgin Forever?
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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
Second book of Samuel, Chapter 7, Verses 1-5, 8b-12, 14a,16
1. Define “house” first as David uses it in this reading. Could the word “family” be substituted for “house” as the Lord uses it in response to David? Where might God dwell besides in a tent or building? Where does the real Church reside?
2. Compare and contrast what David wants to give God with what God did for David? Can you relate to “receiving much more than you give”? What happens to you when you open up just a little to God? God’s gift which brought David’s house to perfection was David’s Heir. Who was that?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalms 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29
1. Our Psalm response is, 'Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.' One reason to sing of the Lord's goodness is because His promises are trustworthy. Describe how you have relied on the promises of the Lord in your journey.
2. David is to call out to the Lord, 'You are my father, my God, the Rock, my savior.' We too are inspired to cry out to God in a similar way. Tell of the times when you have felt like crying out to God in worship and praise.
Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Romans, Chapter 16, Verses 25-27
1. What was the “mystery kept secret for long ages”? Do you think the “mystery” was really a secret or possibly was it not understood till Jesus became man? What does the Incarnation reveal to you about God?
2. If all people believed that the message of God’s saving plan is for “all nations” what would happen to conflict between nations, selfishness that creates poverty and starvation and the disparity of wealth? Is there anything you can do to brighten up some of this darkness?
Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 1, Verses 26-38
1. Can you relate to Mary’s unconditional “yes” to God, or is your yes conditional? If you do say yes, will God come take up residence in your life?
2. What could God do for the wounded in the world through your hands if he were invited to take up residence in the deepest part of your soul?
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.
This Sunday's Psalm sings about God’s promise to Israel
ReplyDeleteand God's covenant with David.
“I have made a covenant with my chosen one.”
That same divine selection is celebrated
in our 1st reading from 2 Samuel that tells the story
of how David was taken from the pasture
to become Israel’s commander.
“I have sworn to David my servant:
Forever will I confirm your posterity
and establish your throne for all generations.”
And how does this young shepherd boy
rise to greatness in Israel?
He succeeds because he has found favor with God,
and God will be the source of his strength.
This is the same divine strength that St. Paul (2nd reading)
tells us is available to each of us,
if we believe and have faith.
But it isn’t a one way street with the Lord.
David is to show us that we must give glory to God.
He cries out “You are my Father, my God,
the Rock that brings me victory.”
Mary also finds favor with God
and is anointed to be the Blessed Mother of our Lord Jesus.
She too responds by giving glory to God
in this week’s Gospel.
The Lord’s covenant with David stands firm,
and it is through God’s promise to David
that the Messiah is born of Mary.
“Forever, I will maintain my love for [David];
my covenant with him stands firm.”
That promise to David is fulfilled
in the birth of our savior
and for that we too must give glory to God.
Amen