Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Second Sunday of Lent, Mar. 4, 2012 (L2B)
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: Do you believe in the True Prescence of Jesus at Communion?
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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
Reading I: Genesis 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18
1. In Genesis 15:5 God promised Abraham that his descendants would be as
numerous as the stars. It is to this promise that Abraham clings as he
raises the knife to kill his son. Where do you fall on the continuum,
with one being low and ten high, when blind trust is required of you?
2.
Is Abraham willing to offer the one he most loves because God asked it?
Is God the Father willing to let the one he most loves die in order to
sacrifice for humankind? In the end is Isaac willing to be sacrificed?
Is Jesus willing to give his life (in union with the Father’s
willingness to give everything, even his son) to show how much God loves
humankind?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 116: 10, 15, 16-17, 18-19
. Our psalmist speaks of the power of his faith, even in the darkest of
times, "I believed, even when I said, 'I am greatly afflicted.'" Give
an example of how your faith has strengthened you in difficult times.
2.
The Psalm says, 'O Lord, I am your servant ... you have loosed my
bonds.' Explain how it is that, having been freed from your chains,
you wish to serve the Lord and become yoked to Him.
Second Reading
Reading II: Romans 8:31b-34
1. The Old Testament describes “Emmanuel,” as God with us. This
reading says God is not only with us, but “for us. Christ … indeed
intercedes for us.” Explain how this statement could be a real
anti-depressant?
2. How does being “for” someone and intervening for him or her relate to “love your neighbor?”
Gospel
Gospel: Mark 9:2-10
1.
It took a blinding light for Peter, James and John to begin to see or
understand who Jesus was. Think of some times that you have seen the
divine in the ordinary? Share your experiences with others. Think of
some areas in your country, Church or life that need to be reconfigured
before you would be able to see much of the divine in them. Explain.
2. Why do you think Elijah and Moses were part of this scene?
Sunday Bible Study Group
Please comment on the Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.
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Thursday
"Repent, and believe in the gospel."
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
First Sunday of Lent, Feb. 26, 2012 (L1B)
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: "Why do Catholics baptize their children as babies?"
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Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Genesis, Chapter 9, Verses 8-15
1. God made a covenant with us, and included every living thing. Does this reconfigure your attitude toward creation? How? Why do you think God chose a rainbow to be a sign of this covenant?
2. Explain how the Genesis story of Noah and the flood is a foreshadowing of Christian baptism.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 25: 4-5, 6-7, 8-9
1. Our Psalm speaks of being taught by the Lord ("teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me; he teaches the humble his way.") Are you a good student of the Lord? Tell about what you have learned or are learning from the Lord.
2. According to our psalmist, the Lord "shows sinners the way." As we enter the season of Lent, we could all use some guidance and help as we strive for repentance and to be bolder in our faith. xplain what you will do during Lent to become a more obedient Christian and a better witness for your faith.
Second Reading
1 Peter, Chapter 3, Verses 18-22
1. Is baptism something we undertake, or is it a gift of life that we simply accept as made possible through the resurrection of Jesus?
2. Baptism is about dying and rising. Do you have any Lenten plans that might impact your dying to self or figuratively speaking, rising from the dead?
Gospel
Mark, Chapter 1, Verses 12-15
1. “He was among the wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him.” What are the “wild beasts” in your life? Who are the angels who minister to you? Where do you yourself minister?
2. The Spirit drove Jesus into the desert to prepare for his public ministry. How do you prepare for important events? Do you let the Spirit “drive” you? What is the food that sustains you? How does fasting or emptying yourself in some way help sharpen your spiritual appetites?
Sunday Bible Study Group
Please comment on the Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.
First Sunday of Lent, Feb. 26, 2012 (L1B)
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: "Why do Catholics baptize their children as babies?"
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Genesis, Chapter 9, Verses 8-15
1. God made a covenant with us, and included every living thing. Does this reconfigure your attitude toward creation? How? Why do you think God chose a rainbow to be a sign of this covenant?
2. Explain how the Genesis story of Noah and the flood is a foreshadowing of Christian baptism.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 25: 4-5, 6-7, 8-9
1. Our Psalm speaks of being taught by the Lord ("teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me; he teaches the humble his way.") Are you a good student of the Lord? Tell about what you have learned or are learning from the Lord.
2. According to our psalmist, the Lord "shows sinners the way." As we enter the season of Lent, we could all use some guidance and help as we strive for repentance and to be bolder in our faith. xplain what you will do during Lent to become a more obedient Christian and a better witness for your faith.
Second Reading
1 Peter, Chapter 3, Verses 18-22
1. Is baptism something we undertake, or is it a gift of life that we simply accept as made possible through the resurrection of Jesus?
2. Baptism is about dying and rising. Do you have any Lenten plans that might impact your dying to self or figuratively speaking, rising from the dead?
Gospel
Mark, Chapter 1, Verses 12-15
1. “He was among the wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him.” What are the “wild beasts” in your life? Who are the angels who minister to you? Where do you yourself minister?
2. The Spirit drove Jesus into the desert to prepare for his public ministry. How do you prepare for important events? Do you let the Spirit “drive” you? What is the food that sustains you? How does fasting or emptying yourself in some way help sharpen your spiritual appetites?
Sunday Bible Study Group
Please comment on the Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.
"Child, your sins are forgiven."
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Seventh Sunday In Ordinary Time, Feb. 19, 2012 (7B)
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: Should you Confess before Communion?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Isaiah, Chapter 43, Verses 18-19, 21-22, 24-25
1. God says he is wiping out the people’s sins for his own sake. Does this mean that he is not doing it for the sake of the people? Have they displeased him? Does this mean that even our sins cannot prevent God from loving us and forgiving us?
2. In this reading, God says, "I am doing something new!....your sins I remember no more.” How does it make you feel to know that forgiveness and mercy are available to you all the time, even when you don't deserve them; that God isn’t keeping track of all your evil deeds, but forgets them all instead? How are you at forgetting other people’s transgressions against you?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 41: 2-3, 4-5, 13-14
1. The Psalm speaks about the need for healing when one has sinned against the Lord. Our psalmist says the Lord will help the sinner on his sickbed. Do you believe that being in a state of sin is the same as being afflicted with a sickness? If so, who is the physician that will take away your ailment and how do you get him to cure you?
2. Our psalmist seeks to stand in the Lord's presence forever. He also suggests that he will be restored from his misfortune because of his regard for the weak and the lowly. Does this remind you of the regard that our savior Jesus also had for the weak. What do you have to do to be able to stand in the Lord's presence for all eternity?
Second Reading
2 Corinthians, Chapter 1, Verses 18-22
1. What does a “first installment” of the Spirit imply? What does it mean to you to have the Holy Spirit in your heart, ready to help you in any and every circumstance of your life? Do you ever remember this gift when you are in trouble?
2. The Spirit is in your heart helping you in all things. If this is the first installment, then what do you suppose the final installment or the payment in full will be?
Gospel
Mark, Chapter 2, Verses 1-12
1. What obstacles might have stood in the way of the men taking their paralyzed friend to Jesus? Whose faith did Jesus reward? Do obstacles stop you? What allows you to do the impossible? Referring to the fact that the friends got the paralytic in to see Jesus, discuss Willa Cather’s statement: “Where there is great love, there are miracles.”
2. Why were the scribes concerned about Jesus forgiving sins? Jesus said, "Which is easier, to say...' Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, "Rise, pick up your mat and walk?'" So why do you think Jesus performed that miracle?
Sunday Bible Study Group
Please comment on the Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.
--
Seventh Sunday In Ordinary Time, Feb. 19, 2012 (7B)
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: Should you Confess before Communion?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Isaiah, Chapter 43, Verses 18-19, 21-22, 24-25
1. God says he is wiping out the people’s sins for his own sake. Does this mean that he is not doing it for the sake of the people? Have they displeased him? Does this mean that even our sins cannot prevent God from loving us and forgiving us?
2. In this reading, God says, "I am doing something new!....your sins I remember no more.” How does it make you feel to know that forgiveness and mercy are available to you all the time, even when you don't deserve them; that God isn’t keeping track of all your evil deeds, but forgets them all instead? How are you at forgetting other people’s transgressions against you?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 41: 2-3, 4-5, 13-14
1. The Psalm speaks about the need for healing when one has sinned against the Lord. Our psalmist says the Lord will help the sinner on his sickbed. Do you believe that being in a state of sin is the same as being afflicted with a sickness? If so, who is the physician that will take away your ailment and how do you get him to cure you?
2. Our psalmist seeks to stand in the Lord's presence forever. He also suggests that he will be restored from his misfortune because of his regard for the weak and the lowly. Does this remind you of the regard that our savior Jesus also had for the weak. What do you have to do to be able to stand in the Lord's presence for all eternity?
Second Reading
2 Corinthians, Chapter 1, Verses 18-22
1. What does a “first installment” of the Spirit imply? What does it mean to you to have the Holy Spirit in your heart, ready to help you in any and every circumstance of your life? Do you ever remember this gift when you are in trouble?
2. The Spirit is in your heart helping you in all things. If this is the first installment, then what do you suppose the final installment or the payment in full will be?
Gospel
Mark, Chapter 2, Verses 1-12
1. What obstacles might have stood in the way of the men taking their paralyzed friend to Jesus? Whose faith did Jesus reward? Do obstacles stop you? What allows you to do the impossible? Referring to the fact that the friends got the paralytic in to see Jesus, discuss Willa Cather’s statement: “Where there is great love, there are miracles.”
2. Why were the scribes concerned about Jesus forgiving sins? Jesus said, "Which is easier, to say...' Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, "Rise, pick up your mat and walk?'" So why do you think Jesus performed that miracle?
Sunday Bible Study Group
Please comment on the Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.
--
"If you wish, you can make me clean."
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Sixth Sunday In Ordinary Time, Feb. 12, 2012 (6B)
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: Can we who are sinful be part of Jesus’ mission?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Leviticus, Chapter 13, Verses 1-2, 44-46
1. Compare and contrast the way lepers were treated in the Old Testament (First Reading) with the way Jesus treated them.
2. How would you feel if because of some ritual, you were made to tear your clothes, be excluded, made to live apart from those you love and forced to announce your presence by shouting, “Unclean”? Discuss rules, regulations or rituals that could be improved by taking people’s feelings into consideration.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 32: 1-2, 5, 11
1. This Sunday's Psalm Response is, "I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation." Tell of a 'time of trouble' in your life when you turned to the Lord, confessed your faults, and were filled with the 'joy of salvation.'
2. Our psalmist is grateful for God's gift of forgiveness; having confessed his sin before God, he is a new creation thanks to the grace of God. Give an example of how your anxiety over your sin ceases when you bow down and confess your faults to the Lord.
Second Reading
1 Corinthians, Chapter 10, Verse 31, Chapter 11, Verse 1
1. St. Paul says, “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” What is the “whatever you do” in your case? During which of your day’s activities is it easy for you to remember the presence of God? Which are hard?
2. "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." On his own, could Paul take away people's sins? Could he reach out to people and heal them spiritually through the power of Jesus? What can you do through the power of Jesus?
Gospel
Mark, Chapter 1, Verses 40-45
1. Using Jesus’ healing of the leper as an example, describe the new world order that he was trying to establish. The old laws were written on stone—where do you think Jesus’ new laws are written?
2. "Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him, 'I do will it. Be made clean.' " If you come to Jesus with a problem, do you think he will be moved with pity and touch you in some healing way? Have you been healed in any way? Can you help heal those who are ailing around you? How can your scars help in healing others?
Sunday Bible Study Group
Please comment on the Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.
--
Sixth Sunday In Ordinary Time, Feb. 12, 2012 (6B)
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: Can we who are sinful be part of Jesus’ mission?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Leviticus, Chapter 13, Verses 1-2, 44-46
1. Compare and contrast the way lepers were treated in the Old Testament (First Reading) with the way Jesus treated them.
2. How would you feel if because of some ritual, you were made to tear your clothes, be excluded, made to live apart from those you love and forced to announce your presence by shouting, “Unclean”? Discuss rules, regulations or rituals that could be improved by taking people’s feelings into consideration.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 32: 1-2, 5, 11
1. This Sunday's Psalm Response is, "I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation." Tell of a 'time of trouble' in your life when you turned to the Lord, confessed your faults, and were filled with the 'joy of salvation.'
2. Our psalmist is grateful for God's gift of forgiveness; having confessed his sin before God, he is a new creation thanks to the grace of God. Give an example of how your anxiety over your sin ceases when you bow down and confess your faults to the Lord.
Second Reading
1 Corinthians, Chapter 10, Verse 31, Chapter 11, Verse 1
1. St. Paul says, “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” What is the “whatever you do” in your case? During which of your day’s activities is it easy for you to remember the presence of God? Which are hard?
2. "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." On his own, could Paul take away people's sins? Could he reach out to people and heal them spiritually through the power of Jesus? What can you do through the power of Jesus?
Gospel
Mark, Chapter 1, Verses 40-45
1. Using Jesus’ healing of the leper as an example, describe the new world order that he was trying to establish. The old laws were written on stone—where do you think Jesus’ new laws are written?
2. "Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him, 'I do will it. Be made clean.' " If you come to Jesus with a problem, do you think he will be moved with pity and touch you in some healing way? Have you been healed in any way? Can you help heal those who are ailing around you? How can your scars help in healing others?
Sunday Bible Study Group
Please comment on the Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.
--
"For this purpose have I come."
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Fifth Sunday In Ordinary Time, Feb. 5, 2012 (5B)
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 believe in horoscopes?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Job, Chapter 7, Verses 1-4, 6-7
1. Do you feel like Job sometimes? Do you understand the purpose of suffering? Give some reasons why you think God allows suffering. Can you still have faith in God even if you don't understand why God allows people to suffer?
2. Could God have redeemed the world by saying a word, breathing on it, or sending his Son merely to be with us? Why do you think God chose a suffering Messiah to redeem humankind?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 147: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6
1. Our Psalm response this Sunday is, 'Praise the Lord, who heals the brokenhearted.' Explain how the verses of the Psalm give you hope that the Lord will 'bind up your wounds.'
2. Our psalmist says that the Lord 'calls each of the stars by name.' Does this verse give you comfort that our Creator also knows your name and seeks you out despite the infinite size of the universe? What does this verse mean to you?
Second Reading
1Corinthians, Chapter 9, Verses 16-19, 22-23
1. What drove Paul to the point that he would do anything for the sake of the Gospel?
What passion drives you to do the things that you do?
2. St. Paul said, “I have made myself a slave to all….To the weak I became weak, to win over the weak. I have become all things to all, to save at least some.” Explain what Paul meant by these words. How far would you go to become a “slave.., servant… or become whatever people need” in order to bring the good news to them? What might you have to sacrifice to do that?
Gospel
Mark, Chapter 1, Verses 29-39
1. Do you think this Gospel text was written to tell people about Jesus, the miracle worker? Could the miracles be a confirmation of Jesus’ message of salvation? What did he say was the “purpose for which he came”?
2. Jesus as a person used every bit of energy he possessed to carry out his mission. Find examples in this Gospel for this reality. How does “Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed” fit in with his tireless effort to carry out his ministry? How close are you to Jesus in using all your energy for some purpose? What is that purpose?
Sunday Bible Study Group
Please comment on the Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.
--
Fifth Sunday In Ordinary Time, Feb. 5, 2012 (5B)
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 believe in horoscopes?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Job, Chapter 7, Verses 1-4, 6-7
1. Do you feel like Job sometimes? Do you understand the purpose of suffering? Give some reasons why you think God allows suffering. Can you still have faith in God even if you don't understand why God allows people to suffer?
2. Could God have redeemed the world by saying a word, breathing on it, or sending his Son merely to be with us? Why do you think God chose a suffering Messiah to redeem humankind?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 147: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6
1. Our Psalm response this Sunday is, 'Praise the Lord, who heals the brokenhearted.' Explain how the verses of the Psalm give you hope that the Lord will 'bind up your wounds.'
2. Our psalmist says that the Lord 'calls each of the stars by name.' Does this verse give you comfort that our Creator also knows your name and seeks you out despite the infinite size of the universe? What does this verse mean to you?
Second Reading
1Corinthians, Chapter 9, Verses 16-19, 22-23
1. What drove Paul to the point that he would do anything for the sake of the Gospel?
What passion drives you to do the things that you do?
2. St. Paul said, “I have made myself a slave to all….To the weak I became weak, to win over the weak. I have become all things to all, to save at least some.” Explain what Paul meant by these words. How far would you go to become a “slave.., servant… or become whatever people need” in order to bring the good news to them? What might you have to sacrifice to do that?
Gospel
Mark, Chapter 1, Verses 29-39
1. Do you think this Gospel text was written to tell people about Jesus, the miracle worker? Could the miracles be a confirmation of Jesus’ message of salvation? What did he say was the “purpose for which he came”?
2. Jesus as a person used every bit of energy he possessed to carry out his mission. Find examples in this Gospel for this reality. How does “Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed” fit in with his tireless effort to carry out his ministry? How close are you to Jesus in using all your energy for some purpose? What is that purpose?
Sunday Bible Study Group
Please comment on the Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.
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