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

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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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1 comment:

  1. Barry Lamont12:45 PM

    This Psalm is about trust in God.
    Our 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

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