"For whoever is not against us is for us."

It is not easy to understand the forcefulness of Jesus' language in the Gospel this Sunday, the pure penetrating power with which He spoke and continues to speak to His listeners. Yet, we can approach some kind of understanding if we pay close attention to the prophets of this world.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sep. 30, 2012 (26B)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Readings
Podcast of the Readings 
Video of Reflections on Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios 
New American Bible
Prayer of the Hours
BQ: Does the Church allow abortion if the mother's life is at risk?

--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------

First Reading
Numbers 11:25-29

1. Joshua wanted Moses to stop Eldad and Medad’s prophesying because they didn’t follow the rules. Can you relate to this kind of problem? What was Moses’ response? Is there any similarity to Jesus’ response in the Gospel?

2. Does the Spirit work in many religions? Ever? Always? What might the Spirit be doing religions other than your own? Do you look for gifts in other people to see what actions God might be taking through them?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 19: 8, 10, 12-13, 14

1. Our Psalm Response this Sunday is "The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart." Do you believe that the Lord's commandments can be a source of joy, instead of a set of rules and restrictions? Explain.

2. Our psalmist says that the 'decree of the Lord gives wisdom to the simple.' Describe how God's Law inspires you to celebrate God's perfection and helps you to imitate the divine life.

Second Reading
James 5:1-6

1. Wages withheld from the harvesters cry aloud, James says. How does his message apply today?

2. The rich got their wealth at the expense of the poor. Explain this in terms of the harvesters in the reading. How does humane treatment relate to a living wage? To profound respect?

Gospel
Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48


1. John in the Gospel and Joshua in the First Reading had the same problem: unauthorized people were prophesizing. What was Jesus’ response to the idea that no one outside the inner circle was to minister in his name? Can anyone lay exclusive claim to the reign of God as Jesus revealed it?

2. Did Jesus mean the words “cutting off of hands” literally? If not, how do you interpret his message?

Sunday Bible Study Group

Please share your thoughts online on the Sunday Readings. And please do use these questions for your own Bible study sessions with family and friends.
--

"If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all."

In Sunday's Gospel passage (Mark 9:30-37), Jesus' announcement of his passion and death leaves the disciples without words. In the meantime, they argue who was the most important among them. We find the same pattern as in last week's Gospel -- the prediction, misunderstanding, and instruction on the nature of discipleship.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sep. 23, 2012 (25B)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Readings
Podcast of the Readings 
Video of Reflections on Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios 
New American Bible
Prayer of the Hours
BQ: Is it more noble to volunteer for secular or church work?

--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------

First Reading
Wisdom 2:12, 17-20

1. “Let us find out what will happen to him,” they said. What did they find out? Did God take care of the just one? Did God give help? Maybe you have asked God for something and received something quite different. What happened to you?

2. “Let us beset the just one, because he is obnoxious to us, he sets himself against our doings.” About whom does this speak? Why? Are you obnoxious to anyone because you speak out against doings you consider wrong?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 54: 3-4, 5, 6, 8

1. Our psalmist is fighting against forces that threaten him; he says, "The ruthless seek my life." Are you aware of powerful forces, both external and internal, that put your faith in jeopardy? Explain.

2. The Psalm says, "The Lord upholds my life." Speak of how your life is sustained by the Lord when you are under threat both physically and spiritually.

Second Reading
James 3:16 - 4:3

1. Where does ambition for power and greatness lead? What does it do to a country? to a business? to a Church? Is there a way to cultivate peace?

2. Know them by their fruits. If a work produces jealousy, selfish ambition, conflicts and close-mindedness, how good is the tree? What about mercy, compliance, constancy, sincerity, and peace? Which kind of tree are you?

Gospel
Mark 9:30-37


1. The disciples didn’t understand the “servant” idea. They still wanted choice positions in Jesus’ kingdom. So Jesus sat down to teach them what it means to serve. Why does he direct their attention to a child who needs to have everything done for him?

2. In order to rank first, Jesus tells the disciples they should be the servants of all. Who would you serve if you could? Anyone close to you? Where do you think your parish ranks in taking care of people in need? Where would you rank yourself?

Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share your thoughts on the Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing. 
--

"But who do you say that I am?"

Today's Gospel story is about affirmation, identity and purpose of Jesus' mission. Mark makes this episode the centerpiece of his gospel. It comes immediately after Jesus' healing of the blind man of Bethsaida.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sep. 16, 2012 (24B)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Readings
Podcast of the Readings 
Video of Reflections on Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios 
New American Bible
Prayer of the Hours
BQ: What is Sacrifice?

--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------

First Reading
Isaiah 50:5-9a

1. How does Isaiah’s description, “set his face like flint,” relate to the Gospel message, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself”? Why does Isaiah use “flint” in his simile?

2. They pull his beard and spit in his face. What allows him to endure? What allows you to go through suffering? Is it your faith?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 114 (116): 1-2, 3-4, 5-6. 8-9

1. Our psalmist says that the "Lord has freed my soul from death." Speak about how the Lord has worked in your life to give you hope that you are saved and raised you up away from the "cords of death."

2. The Psalm says, The Lord keeps the little ones." Are you one of His 'little ones?' Explain how by humbling yourself you have a better chance of being pleasing in the eyes of God.

Second Reading
James 2:14-18

1. How do you respond to God’s call to serve your neighbor? With your entire life? In some of your actions? With a few words?

2. How deep is love if it is never expressed in actions? Discuss. How would you go about changing from a “talk the talk” person to a “walk the walk” person?

Gospel
Mark 8:27-35

1. Do you want people you love to know you well? Do you think Christ wants you, personally, to know him well? Discuss his words, “But who do you say that I am?”. Who is Christ to you?

2. How can “losing your life” be a means to gaining life? Could this mean denying yourself, or letting go in some way?

Sunday Bible Study Group

Please share your thoughts on the Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing. 
--

"Ephphatha!"-- that is, "Be opened!"

This is a miracle story. This is a story with baptismal overtones, for during baptism the priest touches the neophytes ears and mouth and says be open. This is a story about our lives with the Lord.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sep. 9, 2012 (23B)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Readings
Podcast of the Readings 
Video of Reflections on Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios 
New American Bible
Prayer of the Hours
BQ: What are 5 major reasons we pray?

--------------------------------------------
Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
--------------------------------------------

First Reading
Isaiah 35:4-7a

1. What lines in the reading indicate that not only will healing abound, but that God will also transform all nature? How does this promise of a new age relate to the coming of Christ? What in the world of nature can you help transform?

2. Isaiah writes about the hope of deliverance from exile. Do you need to be liberated from suffering sometimes? Does this message of hope speak to you?

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 146:7, 8-9, 9-10

1. Our psalmist says, "The Lord sets captives free." In what ways are you captive, and how has the Lord set you free?

2. The Psalm proclaims, "The Lord gives sight to the blind." In what areas of your life were you not able to see things clearly, and give an example of how the Lord has enabled you to regain your sight.
Second Reading
James 2:1-5

1. Do you treat people who have money/prestige with the same respect that you treat those who don’t?

2. The disabled receive the blessings in the First Reading and the poor were the chosen heirs in the Second. How do these readings make you feel about the poverty in your life?

Gospel
Mark 7:31-37

1. Do you think this miracle was performed simply to provide a cure for the deaf mute, or could it have been performed to teach a lesson also? What could the people of Israel, the Church today, or you personally learn from it?

2. What did “Ephphatha, be opened!” mean to the Israelites? If the message of the miracle in this Gospel reading goes beyond physical hearing, what is its meaning for you?

Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share your thoughts on the Sunday Readings. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.