Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Fourth Sunday of Easter, Apr. 29, 2012 (Easter4B)
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 non-Catholics go to heaven?
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Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Acts 4:8-12
1. Was the healing of the cripple Peter’s miracle or Christ’s? Do either
of them still heal people today? How can Jesus use you to help heal
people? If you ask, will Jesus heal you?
2. In this reading Peter responds to attempts to discredit Jesus’
message. Do you see efforts to discredit Jesus’ message in the world
today? Name some.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 118: 1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28, 29
1. Our psalmist reminds us more than once to trust God, not mortals or
princes. Even though you may not have seen the Lord in person, do you
have any difficulty trusting in one you have not seen? Explain.
2. The Psalm says, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'
This verse is used in scripture to welcome Jesus. Discuss how you have
welcomed Jesus into your life.
Second Reading
1 John 3:1-2
1. What gifts have you received as a child of God? What gifts have you received from God today?
2. God is always present, hovering over us like a mother hen. Why does
God not just jump right in and save us from all the messes we get into?
Gospel
John 10: 11-18
1. The shepherd goes out of the sheepfold to get “other” sheep. What
does that say about exclusivity? Do you think social justice, ethical
fairness or love was the reason the shepherd included the other sheep?
Where are you regarding exclusivity/inclusivity on a continuum with the
shepherd at one end and the hired hand at the other?
2. Jesus said, “I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows
me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep.”
Jesus applies the Trinitarian love-recognition between him and his
Father to the recognition between himself and his own. What does this
tell you about how well you are known and how much you are loved? For
whom will you lay down your life?
Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share your comments on the Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.
--
Thursday
"Touch me and see"
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Second Sunday of Easter, Apr. 22, 2012 (Easter3B)
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 the Mass a Eucharistic Banquet or a Holy Sacrifice
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Acts 3:13-15, 17-19
1. In the history of the Church have there been human decisions that were made in ignorance? The present day Church has apologized for some decisions. What can we learn from this?
2. Sometimes people in groups hurt others when they act with lack of knowledge. How can we prevent hurting others or make up for group actions that hurt others?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 4: 2, 4, 7-8, 9
1. Our Psalm Response this week is, "Lord, let your face shine on us." What does it mean to you the have the 'light of His countenance' shine upon you?
2. Our psalmist repeatedly petitions the Lord to answer him and to hear him. Have you also prayed as David did for the Lord to hear your prayer?
What has been the result?
Second Reading
1 John 2:1-5a
1. John says in his epistle, “[Christ] is expiation for our sins, and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world.” And in his Gospel John prays, “…that repentance, forgiveness of sins, would be preached in (Christ’s) name to all the nations..” From these statements would you guess that Christ came to save forty-four thousand people? Most people? All people?
2. St. John tells us in this reading that Jesus is our advocate if and when we sin. There is no mention of guilt. If you think of Jesus as a friend who defends you, what does that do to your feelings of guilt?
Gospel
Luke 24:35-48
1. When he appeared in their midst, why did Jesus say, “Peace be with you,” to his disciples? What was the emotional atmosphere in the group at that time? Are there times in your life when you are distraught and you need some peace?
2. Do you reach for God in our midst or God far away? Jesus said, “Touch me and see.” Does it help you that Jesus has experienced trials like yours? Did God take our flesh because he needed to, or because we needed him to?
Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share your comments on the Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.
--
Second Sunday of Easter, Apr. 22, 2012 (Easter3B)
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 the Mass a Eucharistic Banquet or a Holy Sacrifice
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Acts 3:13-15, 17-19
1. In the history of the Church have there been human decisions that were made in ignorance? The present day Church has apologized for some decisions. What can we learn from this?
2. Sometimes people in groups hurt others when they act with lack of knowledge. How can we prevent hurting others or make up for group actions that hurt others?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 4: 2, 4, 7-8, 9
1. Our Psalm Response this week is, "Lord, let your face shine on us." What does it mean to you the have the 'light of His countenance' shine upon you?
2. Our psalmist repeatedly petitions the Lord to answer him and to hear him. Have you also prayed as David did for the Lord to hear your prayer?
What has been the result?
Second Reading
1 John 2:1-5a
1. John says in his epistle, “[Christ] is expiation for our sins, and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world.” And in his Gospel John prays, “…that repentance, forgiveness of sins, would be preached in (Christ’s) name to all the nations..” From these statements would you guess that Christ came to save forty-four thousand people? Most people? All people?
2. St. John tells us in this reading that Jesus is our advocate if and when we sin. There is no mention of guilt. If you think of Jesus as a friend who defends you, what does that do to your feelings of guilt?
Gospel
Luke 24:35-48
1. When he appeared in their midst, why did Jesus say, “Peace be with you,” to his disciples? What was the emotional atmosphere in the group at that time? Are there times in your life when you are distraught and you need some peace?
2. Do you reach for God in our midst or God far away? Jesus said, “Touch me and see.” Does it help you that Jesus has experienced trials like yours? Did God take our flesh because he needed to, or because we needed him to?
Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share your comments on the Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.
--
"Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed."
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Second Sunday of Easter, Apr. 15, 2012 (Easter2B)
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 is Faith?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Acts 4:32-35
1. The treatment of possessions by the community in this reading is the early Church’s example of Christ’s life, death and resurrection. How does your treatment of possessions compare with theirs?
2. Who are the needy in your immediate life? Can you take care of at least some of their needs? What, if anything, can you do about the needs of people in your extended world? If you joined forces with another person or group could you do something to alleviate needs of these people?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 118: 2-4, 13-15, 22-24
1. Our Response is, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad." On this Easter Sunday, explain what is the basis of your joy and gladness and how your life is affected by our exalted Savior.
2. Our Lord, rejected by the 'builders' of his time, has become the 'cornerstone' of our lives. What does it mean to you to build your faith on the resurrection of Jesus?
Second Reading
John 5:1-6
1. Are you a Christian because of what you have done or what Christ has done? What is more important, belief in Jesus or performance of good deeds?
2. If you have faith that “Jesus is the Christ and is begotten by God,” what can you conquer?
Gospel
John 20:19-31
1. The disciples were afraid after Jesus’ death and they locked the doors. Are there times in your life when you have wanted to lock the doors of your life? What calmed the disciples’ fears? What calms yours?
2. What is the significance of Jesus’ breathe when he gave the disciples the Holy Spirit? Do you receive the same Holy Spirit in Baptism and Confirmation? Does the Holy Spirit act differently in you than in them? Jesus empowered his disciples with his Spirit so they could pass the gift of peace on to others. Is peace related to forgiveness of sins? How?
Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share your comments on the Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.
--
Second Sunday of Easter, Apr. 15, 2012 (Easter2B)
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 is Faith?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Acts 4:32-35
1. The treatment of possessions by the community in this reading is the early Church’s example of Christ’s life, death and resurrection. How does your treatment of possessions compare with theirs?
2. Who are the needy in your immediate life? Can you take care of at least some of their needs? What, if anything, can you do about the needs of people in your extended world? If you joined forces with another person or group could you do something to alleviate needs of these people?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 118: 2-4, 13-15, 22-24
1. Our Response is, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad." On this Easter Sunday, explain what is the basis of your joy and gladness and how your life is affected by our exalted Savior.
2. Our Lord, rejected by the 'builders' of his time, has become the 'cornerstone' of our lives. What does it mean to you to build your faith on the resurrection of Jesus?
Second Reading
John 5:1-6
1. Are you a Christian because of what you have done or what Christ has done? What is more important, belief in Jesus or performance of good deeds?
2. If you have faith that “Jesus is the Christ and is begotten by God,” what can you conquer?
Gospel
John 20:19-31
1. The disciples were afraid after Jesus’ death and they locked the doors. Are there times in your life when you have wanted to lock the doors of your life? What calmed the disciples’ fears? What calms yours?
2. What is the significance of Jesus’ breathe when he gave the disciples the Holy Spirit? Do you receive the same Holy Spirit in Baptism and Confirmation? Does the Holy Spirit act differently in you than in them? Jesus empowered his disciples with his Spirit so they could pass the gift of peace on to others. Is peace related to forgiveness of sins? How?
Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share your comments on the Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.
--
Wednesday
"They have taken the Lord from the tomb"
Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Easter Sunday, Apr. 8, 2012 (EasterB)
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 invite the poor to your Easter banquet?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Acts 10: 34, 37-43
1. What is the significance of the word “witness,” in this reading, which Peter uses three times both as a noun (meaning “observer”) and a verb (meaning “corroborate,” “testify”)?
2. What are some of the ways you can bear witness in your life? Should you witness with more than words?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 118: 1-2, 16-17, 22-23
1. Our Response is, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad." On this Easter Sunday, explain what is the basis of your joy and gladness and how your life is affected by our exalted Savior.
2. Our Lord, rejected by the 'builders' of his time, has become the 'cornerstone' of our lives. What does it mean to you to build your faith on the resurrection of Jesus?
Second Reading
Colossians 3: 1-4
1. “Brothers and sisters: If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above.” Paul tells us what is “above” later in chapter 3 of Colossians. He says that we should put on heartfelt compassion. What does compassion look like in your immediate world and in the larger one?
2. Paul asks us to “Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.” Name all the qualities that you think should be on that list. Which of those do you “seek” most?
Gospel
Jn 20:1-9
1. “Who was the first one to come to the tomb early in the morning? Were the women who were with Jesus at the end ever governed by fear? Explain. Compare and contrast their behavior with some of Jesus’ other disciples’ actions. Looking at all the disciples during Jesus’ last hours, whose behavior would you like to emulate?
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.
--
Easter Sunday, Apr. 8, 2012 (EasterB)
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 invite the poor to your Easter banquet?
--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------
First Reading
Acts 10: 34, 37-43
1. What is the significance of the word “witness,” in this reading, which Peter uses three times both as a noun (meaning “observer”) and a verb (meaning “corroborate,” “testify”)?
2. What are some of the ways you can bear witness in your life? Should you witness with more than words?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 118: 1-2, 16-17, 22-23
1. Our Response is, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad." On this Easter Sunday, explain what is the basis of your joy and gladness and how your life is affected by our exalted Savior.
2. Our Lord, rejected by the 'builders' of his time, has become the 'cornerstone' of our lives. What does it mean to you to build your faith on the resurrection of Jesus?
Second Reading
Colossians 3: 1-4
1. “Brothers and sisters: If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above.” Paul tells us what is “above” later in chapter 3 of Colossians. He says that we should put on heartfelt compassion. What does compassion look like in your immediate world and in the larger one?
2. Paul asks us to “Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.” Name all the qualities that you think should be on that list. Which of those do you “seek” most?
Gospel
Jn 20:1-9
1. “Who was the first one to come to the tomb early in the morning? Were the women who were with Jesus at the end ever governed by fear? Explain. Compare and contrast their behavior with some of Jesus’ other disciples’ actions. Looking at all the disciples during Jesus’ last hours, whose behavior would you like to emulate?
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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