Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Palm Sunday, Apr. 1, 2012 (PalmB)
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: What sacraments did Jesus institute on Holy Thursday?
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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
Isaiah 50:4-7
1.
Name some people who have spoken on God’s behalf and have “set their
faces like flint” when confronted by injustice. Are you restrained about
standing up for justice if it involves some discomfort for you? What
injustice do you feel strongly about? What can you do to help make it
right?
2. God opens your ears many times and in many ways. Give
some reasons why God would come to you with messages “morning after
morning.”
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 22: 8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24
1. The psalmist speaks of those who scoff at him and mock him. In what way can you identify with those who scoff
at our Savior and mock him with parted lips?
2.
The Response is, "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?" Why do
you think our Lord would have uttered these words at the time of his
Passion? What had changed for God's son? Had God changed?
Second Reading
Philippians 2:6-11
1. Describe the “emptying in Jesus’ life. Go from his birth to his
death, as much as you are able. What is the power of emptiness?
2.
Is there anything in your life that helps you imitate Jesus in being
open and empty? On the other hand, are there desires that make you
regard equality with God as something you should achieve?
Gospel
Mark 14:1-15:47
1.
The woman was “wasting” expensive perfumed oil on Jesus. Does this
relate to God wasting his love on humankind? How is the Eucharist a
continuation of Christ’s “self-wasting” on us? Does your busy schedule
allow time to “waste” on love?
2. Throughout his passion, who
stayed and who didn’t stay with Jesus? Which group would you have found
yourself with? Did Jesus feel abandoned by the one he loved most, the
Father? How terrible would such a loss be for him? What does this
suffering say to you?
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.
--
Wednesday
Whoever serves me must follow me,
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Fifth Sunday of Lent, Mar. 25, 2012 (L5B)
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 Catholics believe our salvation is a sure thing?
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Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Jeremiah 32: 31-34
1. Exterior observance can be like a stone: all outsides, with frozen insides. What would conversion be like?
2. “I will place my law within them and write it on their hearts” How does this relate to Pope Benedict’s words, “These charity workers need a ‘formation of the heart’: they need to be led to that encounter with God in Christ which awakens their love and opens their spirits to others?” [No. 31a in Benedict XVI’s encyclical, Deus Caritas Est].
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 51: 3-4, 12-13, 14-15
1. Our psalmist King David cites the greatness of the Lord's compassion in calling upon God to wipe out his offense. Even though David was an adulterer and a murderer, he knew that he could call upon the Lord to restore him and create for him a clean heart. Does this give you confidence that no matter how serious your sins may be, you can call upon God to be thoroughly cleansed? Explain.
2. As our psalmist implies, it is not enough to call upon God to create a clean heart within us. We must also ask for a steadfast spirit, for the Holy Spirit to be sustained within us. Tell how the Holy Spirit is working within you and what you are inspired to do through the gifts of the Spirit.
Second Reading
Hebrews 5: 7-9
1. Jesus uttered “supplications with loud cries and tears” and he knows our worst pain. How does knowing that impact your own suffering? Do you have to endure suffering alone?
2. Jesus spent his life alleviating the suffering of others. Is he finished with that, or does he continue to care for suffering people today? If so, how? Are you a caretaker or are you cared for?
Gospel
John 12: 20-33
1. Is there any other way for the seed to bear rich fruit other than to die? According to this idea what would it take for Jesus’ good news to spread? Where in this Gospel does the Father confirm the plan of salvation?
2. “Whoever serves me must follow me.” Follow him where? Can’t we skip the cross and go straight to the Resurrection? Can your self-centeredness die and you remain alive?
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 of Lent, Mar. 25, 2012 (L5B)
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 Catholics believe our salvation is a sure thing?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Jeremiah 32: 31-34
1. Exterior observance can be like a stone: all outsides, with frozen insides. What would conversion be like?
2. “I will place my law within them and write it on their hearts” How does this relate to Pope Benedict’s words, “These charity workers need a ‘formation of the heart’: they need to be led to that encounter with God in Christ which awakens their love and opens their spirits to others?” [No. 31a in Benedict XVI’s encyclical, Deus Caritas Est].
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 51: 3-4, 12-13, 14-15
1. Our psalmist King David cites the greatness of the Lord's compassion in calling upon God to wipe out his offense. Even though David was an adulterer and a murderer, he knew that he could call upon the Lord to restore him and create for him a clean heart. Does this give you confidence that no matter how serious your sins may be, you can call upon God to be thoroughly cleansed? Explain.
2. As our psalmist implies, it is not enough to call upon God to create a clean heart within us. We must also ask for a steadfast spirit, for the Holy Spirit to be sustained within us. Tell how the Holy Spirit is working within you and what you are inspired to do through the gifts of the Spirit.
Second Reading
Hebrews 5: 7-9
1. Jesus uttered “supplications with loud cries and tears” and he knows our worst pain. How does knowing that impact your own suffering? Do you have to endure suffering alone?
2. Jesus spent his life alleviating the suffering of others. Is he finished with that, or does he continue to care for suffering people today? If so, how? Are you a caretaker or are you cared for?
Gospel
John 12: 20-33
1. Is there any other way for the seed to bear rich fruit other than to die? According to this idea what would it take for Jesus’ good news to spread? Where in this Gospel does the Father confirm the plan of salvation?
2. “Whoever serves me must follow me.” Follow him where? Can’t we skip the cross and go straight to the Resurrection? Can your self-centeredness die and you remain alive?
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 God so loved the world that he gave his only Son"
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Fourth Sunday of Lent, Mar. 18, 2012 (L4B)
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 Jesus and God the same?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23
1. Do you think God continues to send messengers now? What about you personally: does God send messengers “early and often”? Can you give an example? What can you do to “open your door wider” so that all the messengers can get in?
2. Name some people who were rejected because of the messages they delivered.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 137: 1-2, 3, 4-5, 6
1. This Sunday's Response is, "Let my tongue be silenced, if I ever forget you!" When you are separated from God because of sin,
have you noticed how it becomes difficult to praise and worship Him? In a way your tongue becomes silenced for a time. Explain how you can get your voice back and start again singing a song of the Lord.
2. Our psalmist tells us that it was difficult for the Israelites captive in Babylon to sing the songs of Zion in a foreign land. Is it sometimes difficult for you to speak of your faith in the company of non-believers? If you are being persecuted by a world that does not acknowledge you as one of its own, how do you overcome your reticence and speak boldly of your faith?
Second Reading
Ephesians 2: 4-10
1. In Diary of a Country Priest, the writer,George Bernanos’makes this statement: “Grace is everywhere.” Can this be true? Discuss.
2. How would you define grace? Describe three places where “the immeasurable riches of his grace “ are at work in the world or in your life today.
Gospel
John 3:14-21
1. “God so loved the world that he gave us his only son.” What did Jesus say motivates the Father to treat the world so well? What did the Father do when so motivated? How is our salvation accomplished? If you imitate God. what motivates your penance and good works?
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.
--
Fourth Sunday of Lent, Mar. 18, 2012 (L4B)
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 Jesus and God the same?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23
1. Do you think God continues to send messengers now? What about you personally: does God send messengers “early and often”? Can you give an example? What can you do to “open your door wider” so that all the messengers can get in?
2. Name some people who were rejected because of the messages they delivered.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 137: 1-2, 3, 4-5, 6
1. This Sunday's Response is, "Let my tongue be silenced, if I ever forget you!" When you are separated from God because of sin,
have you noticed how it becomes difficult to praise and worship Him? In a way your tongue becomes silenced for a time. Explain how you can get your voice back and start again singing a song of the Lord.
2. Our psalmist tells us that it was difficult for the Israelites captive in Babylon to sing the songs of Zion in a foreign land. Is it sometimes difficult for you to speak of your faith in the company of non-believers? If you are being persecuted by a world that does not acknowledge you as one of its own, how do you overcome your reticence and speak boldly of your faith?
Second Reading
Ephesians 2: 4-10
1. In Diary of a Country Priest, the writer,George Bernanos’makes this statement: “Grace is everywhere.” Can this be true? Discuss.
2. How would you define grace? Describe three places where “the immeasurable riches of his grace “ are at work in the world or in your life today.
Gospel
John 3:14-21
1. “God so loved the world that he gave us his only son.” What did Jesus say motivates the Father to treat the world so well? What did the Father do when so motivated? How is our salvation accomplished? If you imitate God. what motivates your penance and good works?
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.
--
"Stop making my Father's house a marketplace."
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Third Sunday of Lent, Mar. 11, 2012 (L3B)
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: What commandments require restitution?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Exodus 20:1-17 or 20:1-3, 7-8, 12-17
1. Why do you think the Ten Commandments have survived all the way from the time of Moses? Is there more in each one than we ordinarily see? For instance, respect life could be extrapolated from “Thou shalt not kill." Try some others.
2. If there were ten commandments, why would Jesus say that there were only two? Which one do you say is most important? Do you follow it? What about the others?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 19: 8, 9, 10, 11
1. Our psalmist says that the ordinances of the Lord are 'sweeter than honey.' How can it be that, instead of being harsh, the commandments of the Lord are sweet to the taste? Explain.
2. Our psalmist says that the commandments of the Lord are a source of joy -- they 'rejoice the heart.' Tell about how obeying the commandments can be a source of joy in your life. .
Second Reading
1 Corinthians 1:22-25
1. After Jesus drives out the money changers in the Gospel, the people ask this question: “What sign can you show us for doing this?” What did Paul proclaim as the sign and the wisdom for those who are called?
2. To what do the “foolishness” and “weakness” of God refer? St. Paul says the Jews had a problem accepting Christ crucified. What about you; how do you accept him? And what about the crosses in your own life? Can they be “stumbling blocks” for you too?
Gospel
Gospel: John 2:13-25
1. Jesus drove the salespeople out of the temple. Why did he do this? And, if you are a “Temple of the Holy Spirit, what are the implications for you? What needs to be driven out?
2. John says that “Jesus did not need anyone to testify about human nature. He himself understood it well.” What does this tell you about Jesus? Is it helpful to know this, or fearsome?
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.
--
Third Sunday of Lent, Mar. 11, 2012 (L3B)
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: What commandments require restitution?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Exodus 20:1-17 or 20:1-3, 7-8, 12-17
1. Why do you think the Ten Commandments have survived all the way from the time of Moses? Is there more in each one than we ordinarily see? For instance, respect life could be extrapolated from “Thou shalt not kill." Try some others.
2. If there were ten commandments, why would Jesus say that there were only two? Which one do you say is most important? Do you follow it? What about the others?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 19: 8, 9, 10, 11
1. Our psalmist says that the ordinances of the Lord are 'sweeter than honey.' How can it be that, instead of being harsh, the commandments of the Lord are sweet to the taste? Explain.
2. Our psalmist says that the commandments of the Lord are a source of joy -- they 'rejoice the heart.' Tell about how obeying the commandments can be a source of joy in your life. .
Second Reading
1 Corinthians 1:22-25
1. After Jesus drives out the money changers in the Gospel, the people ask this question: “What sign can you show us for doing this?” What did Paul proclaim as the sign and the wisdom for those who are called?
2. To what do the “foolishness” and “weakness” of God refer? St. Paul says the Jews had a problem accepting Christ crucified. What about you; how do you accept him? And what about the crosses in your own life? Can they be “stumbling blocks” for you too?
Gospel
Gospel: John 2:13-25
1. Jesus drove the salespeople out of the temple. Why did he do this? And, if you are a “Temple of the Holy Spirit, what are the implications for you? What needs to be driven out?
2. John says that “Jesus did not need anyone to testify about human nature. He himself understood it well.” What does this tell you about Jesus? Is it helpful to know this, or fearsome?
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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