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
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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
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.
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This Psalm is about trust in God.
ReplyDeleteOur Psalmist, King David, is filled
with desire for God's mercy,
and invites us to pray, saying,
“When I call, answer me,
O my just God, … hear my prayer.”
David reminds us the Lord
works wonders for the faithful,
“The Lord does wonders for his faithful one.”
Part of keeping our faith must surely be
keeping our Lord’s commandments,
as we are reminded to do in
this week’s 2nd reading -- 1 John says,
“Whoever keeps his word,
the love of God is truly perfected in him.”
What more could we ask for?
Is it necessary that the risen Jesus
show us his hands and feet,
or touch his flesh and bones (today's Gospel)?
Our psalmist reminds us it is in our hearts
where the Lord’s presence does the most good.
“You put gladness into my heart.”
If our hearts are made clean,
and our sins are forgiven
by the Easter sacrifice and resurrection
of God’s only son,
who or what can stand in our way?
What the Lord Jesus has done for us
will give rise to action on our part.
For just as the disciples were witnesses
of what came to pass 2000 years ago,
so too are we called to witness for the Lord.
We are called to keep his word,
and to open our minds, so that we too can
better understand the scriptures.
And then go about doing his work.
Amen