Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God , Jan. 1, 2012 (NewYearB)
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: Is it a sin to wear a rosary as a piece of jewelry?
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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 Numbers, Chapter 6, Verses 22-27
1.
“The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace.” The word peace is a
translation of the word shalom, which more literally means, “every good
thing in good measure.” These are God’s own words in this blessing.
What does this tell you about God’s love for you?
2. Do you feel that God’s face is hidden at times? When? Does it help to hear that “the Lord is looking upon you kindly?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 67: 2-3, 5, 6, 8
1. The Psalm petitions God to 'let his face shine upon us.' What does it
mean to you, especially during this Octave of the Nativity, that God
would let his face shine upon you?
2. Our psalmist calls for
God's salvation to be known among all the nations. How would you
relate this verse to the birth of our Savior?
Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Galatians, Chapter 4, Verses 4-7
1. Why are we no longer slaves but children of God? What did God do for us that made this true?
2.
Did God send the same “Spirit of his Son into our hearts” that he sent
to Mary when she conceived Jesus? How does this Spirit “ransom those
under the law”? According to St. Paul, was the Spirit sent to the heart
or mind?
Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 2, Verses 16-21
1.
Can you enter the world of shepherds and messages from angels and
mangers? If so, does this help you make sense of everything in your
life? What do you mull over in your heart?
2. “And Mary kept all
these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” Was the whole salvific
plan laid out for Mary? What events would have caused Mary to wonder or
worry? In what way do you think she could see the Spirit’s movement in
her life? Does seeing the Spirit in your life allow you to make some
“leaps of faith” that otherwise wouldn’t be possible?
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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“May God bless us
ReplyDeleteand may he let his face shine upon us.”
So much that God does for us
is contained in this verse from the Psalm.
God gives us his grace through his son Jesus,
who is our Savior.
God gives us material blessings –
all our treasure and gifts are from him.
Moreover, he gives us spiritual blessings as well ;
these are called by St. Paul the fruits of the spirit.
We all want God’s blessings, as the Psalm says.
Since the time of Moses,
God’s chosen people have reached out for God’s blessing.
The petition in the Psalm
is rooted in the early books of scripture;
today’s 1st reading (Nm 6 : 22-27) says,
“The Lord let his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you.”
St. Paul (2nd reading) confirms that God
sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts,
so we could cry out “Abba, Father.”
The psalm predicts that God’s saving power shall be known
among all the nations (including ourselves).
God conveys that same message
to the Mother of our Lord in this week’s Gospel.
The shepherds from distant lands hear the news
that our Savior is born;
they return glorifying and praising God.
The Psalm also guides people like us to shout for joy,
“May the peoples praise you, God;
may all the peoples praise you!”
The Psalm calls for
the way of the Lord to become
known upon earth among all the nations.
Indeed the Psalm predicts that
God’s saving power shall be known
among all the peoples.
Thankfully, that includes us.
Amen